If you own a business in Hobart or anywhere across Tasmania, your Google Business Profile could be the next most powerful digital asset you have behind your website. Many small business owners do not realise it, but it is the first thing most customers see when they search for your services online. Whether they are looking for a plumber, accountant or doctor, your profile often appears before your website does.
If your Google Business Profile is not current, you leave opportunities on the table. The more complete and active your profile is, the more trust you build with Google and your customers. In short, it helps your business show up where people are actually looking.
What is a Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile is the panel that appears when someone searches for your business or a service you provide. It includes your name, address, phone number, website, trading hours, photos, reviews and more. Google uses this information to decide when and where to show your business in local search results.
For local SEO in Hobart, it is a vital ranking factor. Even if you have a great website, Google uses the data from your Google Business Profile to confirm that you are legitimate and active. When your information is current and consistent, your chances of appearing in the top local results increase dramatically.
Why keeping your profile updated matters
A neglected Google Business Profile is a missed opportunity. Outdated trading hours, old contact details or missing images can send potential customers straight to your competitors. Google also rewards active businesses. If you post regular updates, add new photos and respond to reviews, you signal that your business is open and engaged.
Profiles with recent posts, photos, and reviews perform better in searches. That applies to both professional service providers and tradies. A local accountant with regular Google posts looks more trustworthy. A plumber with new project photos and fresh reviews gets more clicks and calls.
If you are investing in local SEO, keeping your Google Business Profile up to date should be part of your regular marketing routine.
The rise of Bing Places and why it matters
While Google is still the clear leader, Bing is becoming more critical for future visibility. Microsoft’s search engine now powers AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT search. That means Bing is increasingly used behind the scenes in AI-driven results.
Setting up and maintaining your Bing Places listing helps ensure your business data is correct and accessible across different platforms. It is not just good practice for SEO. It is a smart move for what is coming next, the era of Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
GEO and AI search: future proofing your business
Generative Engine Optimisation is about helping AI systems find and trust your business data. When people use AI tools to ask questions such as “Who are the best electricians in Hobart?” or “Where can I find a family doctor in Tasmania?”, the AI draws from verified online sources.
That includes your Google Business Profile and Bing Places listing. These platforms confirm that your business is real, active and local. If your listings are accurate and consistent, you are far more likely to appear in AI-generated recommendations. Google Business Profile comes first in the pecking order, but Bing Places is the next logical step to future-proof your visibility.
GOOP Digital helps you stay visible and verified
At GOOP Digital, we work with local businesses across Hobart and Tasmania to ensure their digital presence is complete and correct. Local SEO is our focus, and optimising your Google Business Profile is part of that process. We help you manage reviews, upload posts and photos, and keep your information current.
We also help you set up Bing Places because future visibility will depend on being found in multiple ecosystems. It is about making your business easy to find wherever people or AI are searching.
Our goal is simple. We want your business to show up for what you do and where you do it. Whether you are a doctor in Sandy Bay or a builder in Devonport, you need consistent, accurate and active listings to compete.
Take control of your local search presence
Your Google Business Profile is not a set-and-forget tool. It is a live representation of your business online. Keep it updated, and make it part of your marketing routine. You will see the difference in visibility and enquiries.
If you are not sure where to start, GOOP Digital can help. We understand local SEO and how to make your profiles work harder.
Contact our team today to learn how to make your business stand out in Google and Bing results.